Voting-machine.



W. S. PBOSSER. VOTING IIHLGHINE. APPLIOATION FILED NOV.10, 1904.

Patented Mar. 2, 1909.

4 SHEETS W. S. PROSSER. omre monmn. LPPLIUA TIOH I'ILBD NOV. 10, 1904 Patented Mar. 2, 1909.

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APPLIGATION FILED NOV. 10, 1904.

Patented Mar. 2, 1909. 4 snns s-snnn'r a.

I II III\ THE mmms PETERS co., WASHINGTON, D. c

w. s; rnossnn. VOTING MAOHINE.

LPPLIOATIOI FILED NOV. 10, 1904. I Q 91 4, 1 84, Patented Mar. 2, 1909. 4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

@ 52 ar a? WILLIAM S. PROSSER, OF SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA.

VOTING-MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented March 2, 1909.

Application filed November 10, 1904. Serial No. 232,094.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM S. Pnossnn, a citizen of the United States, residing at San Jose, in the county of Santa Clara and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Voting-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to an improved voting machine.

The object of my invention is to greatly simplify construction and cheapen the cost of these machines by saving much re-duplication of mechanism.

As these machines are now usually constructed the voter must operate a separate key for each and every candidate for which he votes. The mass of keys bewilders rather than assists the voter in expressing his selection, while the cost to the manufacturer and to the municipality is made very great by the immense number of parts comprised in the machine.

I have designed and constructed a practical machine which employs but a single set of operating keys of no greater number than the number of candidates for a single office; but by which limited number of keys any candidate for any office may be voted for. In other words I have a machine employing a single series of operating keys adapted to actuate an indefinite number of series of candidate registering mechanisms.

My invention consists of the parts and the construction and combination of parts as hereinafter more fully described and claimed, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a plan view of my apparatus with the cover removed. Fig. 2 is a section on line xx of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the apparatus. Fig. 4 is a sectional'view of the key-locking device. Fig. 5 is a front view of the apparatus. Fig. 6 shows the keys in operating position. Fig. 7 shows a modification of same. Fig. 8 shows a modified form of key.

A represents a suitable carrier here shown in the form of a revoluble drum or cylinder mounted on a vertical axis and divided into a lurality of radial compartments correspond ing to the number of offices to be voted for. Each division or compartment of the cylinder contains a column of keys 2, the number of which in each column or-series corres 0nding to the maximum number of avowe candidates regularly on the ticket for any one office. That is with seven candidates, as here shown, for assessor, there would be seven keys 2 in that series, and if there were twenty oflices there would be twenty series, or one hundred and forty keys altogether on the carrier. The drum or carrier A is contained within a suitable casing B for protection and revolves around a central vertical stationary stud or post 3 properly fixed in the bottom of the casing. The keys 2 have their outer ends projecting through, and guided in, slots in the periphery of the drum, and their inner ends supported and guided in slots in a concentric flange or annular part 4 carried by the drum. The several keys have each an independent reciprocating and limited oscillating movement to allow them when 4 ressed inward to engage, by means of their ateral projections or barbs 5, over respectiye stops 6 on the drum flange and to be releasied from these stops by the stationary cam 7 in the revolution of the drum. The keys are normally projected outward by means of the springs 8. The disposition of these springs and the character of the guides or slots in which the inner ends of the keys 0 erate permit of the reciprocating and oscillating movement mentioned. On each inward movement of a key a suitable recording and registering instrument, as 9, is operated to record a vote for the candidate represented by that particular key.

Any suitable form of registering mechanisms may be used and any suitable means may be provided on the keys to operate these mechanisms. For convenience of illustration I have simply shown a springpressed pin 10 carried by each key and forming a rigid rojection on the inward movement of the liey to actuate the register 9, but adapted to fold back into inoperative position on the outward return movement of the key. The outer ends of the keys 2 are incased within and protected by the outer casing B, and are not acted on, and are not intended to be acted on, directly by the voter. The means for operating these register actuating keys 2, comprise a vertical series of outer keys 11 suitably housed and slidable in guides in an extension I) of the casing. These outer keys 11 arearranged so that each one of them is adapted to be projected directly into the path of corresponding keys carried by the drum, as shown in Fig. 7, or to interpose a pivoted cam 12, as shown in Figs. 6 and 1. The latter construction is employed where it is desired to allow the voter to change his mind after having pushed in one of the outer or operating keys, and before actually recording the vote, and to vote for another candidate, as the law of some States require it should be possible for a voter to do. The outer keys are normally retracted out of the path of keys 2 by means of the springs 13.

With the construction shown in Figs. 1 and 6, when it is desired to vote for a particular candidate, a corresponding key 11 is pressed inward and held by means of a spring-actuated detent 14 engaging a notch 15 in the key. The keys 11 being arranged in a vertical column the detent 14 may take the form of a vertical hinged plate so that it will operate alike for each one of the keys when pressed inward to interpose a cam 12 in the path of a register actuating key 2. The cams 12 are shown as having one end pivoted to the inside of the casing B, and the other end pivotally connected with the keys 11. W hen an operating key 11 is pushed in and thus engaged by the detent 14 and in advance of a register-actuating key 2, it results that the latter will not be pushed in to record the vote until, by the rotation of the drum A, such inner key 2 is forced to slide along the said inclined part 12 and have the hook 5 catch over the projection 6. After said inner or register actuating key has been pushed in, and has passed beyond said op erating key, the latter is released by appropriate means, as a projection 18 on the drum engaging the projection 32 on the detent 14, and is caused to return to its normal position by the spring 13.

The drum A is given an intermittent or step by step movement by any suitable means. 1 have here shown a lever 16 pivoted to the casing and carrying a springpressed pawl 17 adapted to engage the peripheral projections 18 on the drum placed correspondingly with the various subdivisions of the drum and the movement of the lever 16 so limited that with each actuation it will advance the drum one step to carry a set of register-actuating keys 2 across the path of the outer operating keys 11. The

ackward movement of the drum is prevented by suitable means, as the spring pawls 19, bearing against the projections 18 in opposition to the pawl 17, and the too rapid rotation of the drum is prevented by the brakes 20.

Any appropriate mechanism may be em-.

ployed to prevent the actuation of more than one of the operating keys 11 at one time, or the recording of a vote for more than one candidate for any particular o'llice by the same voter. I have used a well known device which comprises a series of blocks 21., Fig. 4, sliding in suitable guides 22 and arranged with their meeting edges normally in the same planes with the wedge-shaped portions 23 of the keys 11. The amount of movement accorded the several blocks 21 in the guides 22 is essentially less than twice the thickness of a key 11, and a little greater than the thickness of a single key; this movement of the blocks being limited by a pin or stop 24. This check device is dis posed directly in the path of the keys 11, and while it will allow the free forward movement singly of any one of these keys to engage or to present a cam surface to an inner key 2, it will effectually block any inward movement of any of the other keys so long as one key is projected forward and engaged between the blocks in the manner indicated in Fig. 4. It will thus be observed that the single set of outer keys serve to operate in turn each key of each inner series of registeractuating keys 2 and so saves the re-duplication of such parts for each individual key of the several inner series.

The outer casing is provided with a suitable glazed window 24 roXimate to keys 11 through which is visib e, but not tangible from the outside, a list carried by the drum and arranged relative to a corresponding series of keys 2. This list contains the name of the oflice to be voted for, and the names 9 of the several candidates therefor the names of the candidates being duly set opposite corresponding keys 11. Preferably these lists are held in appropriate removable holders 25. Each actuation of the lever 16 brings a list of candidates -for a particular ofiice in front of the glazed window 24, whereupon the drum stops. The voter then indicates his choice by pressing the key 11 which is opposite the name he desires.

it the machine is constructed as indicated in Fig. 7, the inner keys will be brought into line with the outer bank of keys 11, and when the voter has pressed in one of the keys 11 indicative of his choice for that oflicc, he will be prevented, by reason of the check device 22 and other means to be described, from changing his vote or duplieating it.

Where the machine is constructed as shown in Figs. 1 or 6, the inner keys 2 will not be in line with the outer key 11 to be acted on when the drum is stopped, so that if he should push in one key 11 and then find that that was not the candidate he wished to vote for, he could, by throwing a lever 26 to disengage the detent 14 from that key, allow that key to fly outward again, and could press in any other key he desired, and could. repeat this operation until he had decided on the man he wanted, whereupon by the actuation of the handle 16 the drum would be revolved one step further and the recording key 2 corresponding to the key 11 which he had finally pressed in would be actuated to record the vote in the desired manner. lVith each actuation of the handle 16 a new ofiice with its accompanying list is shown through the aperture 24, and the voter operates an outer key 11 to indicate a selection in the manner described. When the drum has completed one revolution all the votes to which a particular voter is entitled are recorded and the completion of his vote is indicated by means of a bell 28 operated by a stop 27 on the drum. The further rotation of the drum is prevented by means of a catch 29 on a spring-actuated lever 30 placed under the casing. This catch 29 projects up through an opening in the bottom of the case and enters at the proper time into a recess in the bottom-of the drum, thus stopping it. When the lever 30 is depressed by an OIIICBI of election, for which purpose the end of the lever projects beyond the end of the casing, and is suitably shielded from all except this officer, the drum may again be rotated by a new voter. The register-actuating keys 2, which have been ressed in and engaged over stop 6, are reeased by the obstruction 7 at any suitable stage in the revolution of the drum.

In order to prevent the recording of more than one vote for the same candidate by the same voter, or in other words changing or duplicating the vote for a particular office after the voter has recorded his vote for that office, I employ a rocker arm 31 pivoted intermediate of its ends to the casing and so positioned that when a voting key 11 has been pushed in and the drum turned to cause recording key 2 to be pushed in as indicated in Fig. 6, a projection 18 on the drum will engage one end of the part 31 to throw its other end inward into the path of the part 32 fixed to the detent 14. lVith the rocker arm 31 in the position shown in Fig. 6 it becomes impossible to move the detent 14 by means of the lever 26, and unless the detent can be disen aged from the inwardly ushed key 11 the atter is securely held in its inward position, while the locking device of Fig. 4 prevents the movement of any one of the other keys 11. Until the stop 18, that is riding under the arm 31, has left the latter, no movement of the detent 14 is ossible, and this stop 18 is not intended to eave the arm 31 until the registering key 2 has passed beyond the range of the keysll. The moment however the keys 2 pass the keys 11, arm 31 is released by stop 18, and a spring 33 operates to turn the arm to disengage projection 32, which latter is arranged in the path of a succeeding stop 18.

Where the machine is of the character indicated in Fig. 7, each actuation of handle 16 while it brings a candidates list in front of the window 24 also causes the keys 2 to be brought and stop directly in line with the outer voting keys 11; the same detent means 14 are employed, but the lever 26 is omitted, hence there is no need for the rocker arm 31. The release of the detent 14 is effected by proj cation 18 engaging the part 32 of the detent to carry the latter out of engagement with the notch 15.

Instead of using a pivoted cam 14 as shown in Fig. 6 it is possible to arrange the keys 11 with the integral rigid cam surfaces 14 of Fig. 8. A machine having keys like those of Fig. 8 would operate similarly to that described in connection with Fig. 6, and the same vote-changing and key-locking mechanism may be employed.

Under some circumstances it is essential to make provision for the recording of votes for those other than are indicated on the lists viewable through window 24. In order that the voter may be given the greatest freedom for the expression of his will at the polls I have provided a mechanism which enables him to write out the name of any candidate for any oflice other than such names as may appear on the drum. A box 34 is secured with relation to the extension I) of the casing as below the bank of keys 11, with the lower one of which it is associated, as will be seen. This box contains the rollers 353637; a strip 35 of blank paper is wound on roller 35 and asses around the direction roller 37 and is attached to the wind up roller 36. The lowermost key 11, opposite which there is no name, on drum A, has a projection 38 which carries a plate 39 sliding between the top of box 34 and the bottom of the extension I). The box has asuitable opening at the front, usually closed by a small door or cover 40, which when the part 38 and its key 11 are in their normal outermost position, cannot be opened! When the part 38 and its key are pushed in then the cover 40 maybe opened out to rest on the stop 41 and form a support for the voters hand, while he writes the name of his desired candidate and the oflice on the strip of paper in the box. The cover carries a segment 42 which interposes an effectual stop for the outward return movement of part 38 so long as the cover is open; if the voter wishes to express his individual selection for any particular ofiice, he pushes in the key to which part 38 is attached, and which key operates in a manner precisely similar to that of the other keys as herein described. He then swings cover 40 back, writes the matter that he wishes on the strip which is supported by roller 37, closes the cover and actuates the handle 16 to rotate the drum and release the part 38 and its key. As this individual register key and its part 38 slide back, a spring pawl 43, carried by the plate 31 and projecting through a slot in the top of the box 34 into the latter, engages a ratchet 44 on the wind-up roll 36 to advance the paper strip one step and present a fresh portion in the aperture beneath the cover 40. The return outward movement of the individual register key 11 and its part 38 may be accelerated by means of a compression spring 13 within the box.

In order to prevent a voter from voting more than once for a candidate by writing the latters name a number of times in succession on the actuation of handle 16, and omitting to vote for candidates whose names appear on the drum, I may provide a means such as the following: A lever 46 carrying a pin or sharp pointed instrument 45 at one end is pivoted in the box 34 so that on the oscillation of the lever, the pin may be projected up against the paper where it passes around the under side of roller 37 to puncture the strip. The lever 46 is connected by a link 47 with a spring-actuated lever 47 fulcrumed on the casing. Lever 47 has an upwardly extending projection 48 disposed in the path of a recess 49 in the bottom of the drum. Once with each revolution of the drum the paper will be pricked. Should the name of the same person appear twice or more times in succession on the strip without an intervening prick or mark made by pin 46, it would indicate a fraudulent vote for this person since no one candidate is to be voted for more than once by any one voter.

The outer casing B has a removable cover 50 suitably secured thereto in any manner. On this cover is a sliding p ate 51 having its edges moving in suitable grooves 52 and reciprocal by means of a lever 53, which latter is pivoted at one end to the cover, and having its other end adapted to be locked to one or the other of the lugs 5455. This lever 53 carries a downwardly extending pin 56 operating in a slot in cover 50, which is engageable behind a curved spring-actuated locking plate 57 hinged to or adjacent to the central post 3. When the lever 53 is in the position shown in full lines Fig. 3, the plate 57 is allowed to move in to its normal position to permit the operation of the register actuating keys 2. Such is the usual position of the devices while the election is in progress. At the conclusion of the election the lever 53 is unlocked from lug 54 and engaged with and locked to lug 55 as indicated in dotted lines Fig. 3 which causes the pin 56 to carry the plate 57 outward across the ends of those inner keys 2 which are capable of being operated on by the outer keys 11; the function of this plate 57 being, as is obvious, to prevent any fraudulent voting.

In shifting the lever 53 from the full to the dotted line position of Fig. 3 an aperture 58 in sliding plate 51, is brought over a similar opening in cover 50, through which double opening the slips of paper bearing the names of candidates may be drawn up, thereby exposing openings in the periphery roper 2 of the drum, through which openings and the glazed window 24, may be read the numbers of votes for the several candidates to a given office as recorded by the registers 9. By rotating the drum the several offices voted for are successively brought under the opening 58 and the several lists of candidates names removed and the number of votes read. This outward movement of the plate 51 also causes the turning of a springpressed hinged plate 59 included in the open space within the operating keys 11, into the position shown in dotted lines Fig. 3, and so act as a stop to any movement of those keys. Hence through the agency of the sliding plate 51, the hinged plates 57 and 59 and the pin 56, both the outer and the adjacent set of inner keys are securely locked against longitudinal movement, and no tampering with the registers is possible after the closing of the polls.

A machine of this character possesses the merit of compactness, durability and simplicity. It is particularly in the latter feature that I claim advantage over other voting machines by reason of the avoidance of reduplication of attachments to the voting keys since my one set of outer voting keys suffices for an indefinite number of sets of register-actuating inner keys.

It is possible that various modifications in my invention may be made without departing from the principle thereof, and I do not wish to be understood as limiting mylself to the specific construction as herein shown and described.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a voting-machine, a revoluble drum carrying a plurality of banks of inner register-actuating-keys, a single bank of outer voting devices interposable in the path of said actuatingkeys, means for intermittently revolving the drum to cause the actuating keys to travel past said outer voting devices and means operative during the travel of said register-actuating-keys to actuate the latter by such of said voting devices as are in the path of said actuatingkeys.

2. In a voting machine, the combination with a rotary support of a plurality of radially disposed register actuating keys thereon, said keys having a limited reciprocating and oscillating movement, means for rotating the carrier, devices interposable in the path of the keys on the rotation of the carrier to press the keys inward, and means for holding the keys in their inwardly pressed position.

3. In a voting machine, the combination with a rotary support of a plurality of radially disposed register actuating keys thereon, said keys having a limited reciprocating and their outer normal oscillating movement, means for rotating the carrier, and devices interposable' in the path of the keys on therotation of the carrier to press the keys inward, means for holding the keys in their inwardly pressed position, i means for releasing the keys from said in ward position, and means for retracting them outward.

4. In a voting machine, the combination with a rotary support of a plurality of radially disposed register-actuating keys thereon, said keys having a limited reciprocating and oscillating movement, means for rotating the carrier, devices interposable in the path of the keys on the rotation of the carrier to press the keys inward, means for holding the keys in their inwardly pressed position, means for releasing the keys from said inward position, means for retracting them out ward, and means by which the inward movement of said keys may be entirely prevented.

5. In a voting mac ine, the combination of a rotary support, radially disposed register-actuating keys thereon, means by which these keys are normally pressed outward, means for rotating the support, means supported independent of the said rotary support interposable in the path of said registeractuating-keys for pressing said keys inward, means for holding said'keys temporarily in their inwardly pressed position and means for automatically releasing them in the revolution of the support to allow them to return to their outer normal position, movement of the rotary-support causing the actuation of the actuating keys by said means for pressing the keys inward when said last-named means are interposed in the ath of the actuating-keys.

6. In a voting machine, the combination of a rotary support, radially disposed register-actuating keys thereon, means by which these keys are normally pressed outward, means for rotating the support, means supl ported independent of the said rotary sup- 1 port for pressing said keys inward, means l for holding said keys temporarily in their l inwardly pressed position, means for automatically releasing them in the revolution of the support to allow them to return to their outer normal position, said last named means comprising a segmental plate ar ranged eccentric to the support.

7. In a voting machine, the combination of a rotary support, radially disposed registeractuating keys thereon, means by which. these keys are normally pressed outward, means for rotating the support, means supported independent of the said rotary support for pressing said keys inward, means for holding said keys temporarily in their inwardly pressed position, means for automatically releasing them in the revolution of the support to allow them to return to position,

said last named support, means me'ans'c'omprising a segmental p1ate arranged eccentric to the support, a casingforsaid' rotary support and means on the casing for operating said segmental plate.

8. In a voting machine, the combination of a rotary support mounted on a vertical axis, a casing for said support, radially disposed register actuating keys on the support, means exterior to the support for actuating said keys successively, candidates names holding means on the periphery of the sup-- port proximate to said several keys, said casing having a glazed opening through which the said names are viewable, means for actuating the support intermittently to bring said names in front of said opening, means to prevent the actuation of any of said keys more than once by the same voter, and means to prevent the actuation of any of the keys.

9. In a voting machine, the combination of a rotary support mounted on a vertical axis, a casing "for said support, radially disposed register actuating keys on the support, means exterior to the support for actuating said keys successively, candidates names holding means on the periphery of the support proximate to said several keys, said ,casing having a glazed opening through which the said names are viewable, means for actuating the support intermittently to bring said names in front of said opening and means to prevent the actuation of any of the keys.

10. In a voting machine, a rotary support mounted on a vertical axis, a plurality of series of register-actuating keys radially supported on said support, the keys in said series arranged in vertical column, a casing for said support, means for actuating the latter, a single column of keys supports independently of the support and interposable in the path of the several keys of the several series, means to prevent the actuation of a plurality or" keys of anyone series, and means to prevent the actuation of any of the keys of the series.

11. In a voting machine, a rotary support mounted on a vertical axis, a plurality of series of register-actuating keys radially supported on said support, the keys in said series arranged in vertical column, a casing for said support, means for actuating the latter, a single column of keys supported independently of the support and interposable in the path of the several keys of the several series, and means to prevent the actuation of any or" the keys on said support.

12. In a voting machine, the combination of a rotary support mounted on a vertical axis, a plurality of series of registering keys radially disposed on said support, a casing for the support, means for actuating the latter, a single outer bank of operating keys interposable in the path of the keys on the for preventing the simultaneous actuation of a plurality of said operating keys.

13. In a voting machine, the combination of a rotary support mounted on a vertical axis, a plurality of series of registering keys radially disposed on said support, a casing for the support, means for actuating the latter, an outer bank of operating keys interposable in the path of the keys on the support, means by which a voter is prevented from operating said outer bank of keys to actuate more than one key of any of the inner series of keys, and means whereby he may change his vote before recording the same.

14. In a voting machine, the combination with a rotary carrier, of a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys mounted on said carrier, a single outer series of keys supported independent of the carrier and interposable in the path-of the several keys on the carrier, and means to prevent the actuation of said outer series of keys to operate more than one key of any of the series of keys on the carrier.

15. In a voting machine, the combination with a rotary carrier, of a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys mounted on said carrier, an outer series of keys supported independent of the carrier and interposable in the path of the several keys on the carrier, means to prevent the actuation of said outer series of keys to operate more than one key of any of the series of keys on the carrier, and means to prevent the operation of any of said registeractuating keys.

16. In a voting machine, the combination with a rotary carrier, of a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the carrier, means for giving the latter a step by step movement, and a series of operating keys supported independent of the carrier, each of said operating keys interposable in the path of a plurality of keys on the carrier.

17. In a voting machine, the combination with a rotary carrier of a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the carrier, means for giving the latter a step by step movement, a series of operating keys supported independent of the carrier, each of said operating keys interposable in the path oi a plurality of keys on the carrier, and means to prevent the actuation of any of the register-actuating keys.

18. In a voting machine, the combination With a rotary carrier of a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the carrier, means for giving the latter a step by step movement, a series of operating keys supported inde endent of the carrier, each of said operating eys interposable in the path of a plurality of keys on the carrier, means for retaining said operating keys normally out of the path of the register-actuating keys, and means for holding an operating key in the path of said register-actuating keys.

19. In a voting machine, the combination with a rotary carrier, of a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the carrier, means for giving the latter a step by step movement, a series of operating keys supported independent of the carrier, each of said operating keys interposable in the path of a plurality of keys on the carrier, means for retaining said operating keys normally out of the path of the register-actuating keys and means for holding an operating key in the path of said register-actuating keys, said last named means including a spring detent.

20. In a voting machine, the combination with a rotary carrier of a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the carrier, means for giving the latter a step by step movement, a series of operating keys supported independent of the carrier, each of said operating keys interposable in the path of a plurality of keys on the carrier, means for retaining said operating keys normally out of the path of the register-actuating keys, means for holding an operating key in the path of said register-actuating keys, said last named means including a spring detent, and means operated by the carrier to automatically release the detent and allow of the retraction of an operating key.

21. In a voting machine, the combination with a rotary carrier, of a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the carrier, means for giving the latter a step by step movement, a series of operating keys supported independent of the carrier, each of said operating keys interposable in the path of a plurality of keys on the carrier, and means for preventing the actuation of either the operating keys or the register actuating key.

22. In a voting machine, the combination with a rotary carrier, of a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the carrier, means for giving the latter a step by step movement, a series of operating keys supported independent of the carrier, each 01'' said 0 aerating keys interposable in the path of a plurality of keys on the carrier, a casing for the carrier, and means supported by the casing to lock the register-actuating keys against movement.

23. In a voting machine, the combination with a rotary carrier of a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the carrier, means for giving the latter a step by step movement, a series of operating keys supported independent of the carrier, each of said operating keys interposable in the path oi a plurality of keys on the carrier, a locking device interposable in the path of the operatingkeysxto preventitheir movements, a casing for the CfiIIiBIffiIlClIIIQi LHS supported'on the latter tooperate said locking means.

24. Ina voting machine, a revoluble drum having rows of reciprocating keys, registering devices actuated by said keys, means by which the latter are normally pressed outward, means supported independent of the drum for actuating said keys, means for holding the keys in their inward position after each actuation, and means for revolving the drum.

.25. In a voting machine, a revoluble drum having roWs of reciprocating keys, registering devices actuated by said keys, means by which the latter are normally pressed outward, means supported independent of the drum for actuating said keys, means for holding the keys in their inward position after each actuation, means for revolving the drum and means for releasing said actuating keys during the revolution of the drum.

26. In. a voting machine, a revoluble drum mounted on a vertical axis, a plurality of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the drum arranged in approximately the same horizontal plane, and a single voting key supported independently of the drum and in the plane of said keys and in the path of said keys to actuate them.

27. In a voting machine, a revoluble drum mounted on a vertical axis, a plurality of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the drum arranged in approximately the same horizontal plane, a single voting key supported independently of the drum and in the plane of said keys and in the path of said keys to actuate them, means for giving the drum a step by step movement, means by which the several actuating keys and the operating key are normally pressed outward, and means to hold an actuating key in inward position after it has registered a vote.

28. In a voting machine, a revoluble drum mounted on a vertical axis, a plurality of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the drum arranged in approximately the same horizontal plane, a single voting key supported independently of the drum and in the plane of said keys and in the path of said keys to actuate them, means for giving the drum a step by step movement, means by which the several actuating keys and the operating key are normally pressed outward, means to hold an actuating key in inward position after it has registered a vote, means for automatically releasing said key, and means for preventing the actuation of either the operating or the actuating keys.

29. In a voting machine, a revoluble carrier, a plurality of radially disposed registeractuating keys on the carrier arranged in parallel planes, and a set of operating keys supported independent of the carrier and in planes correspondingto the planes of the register-actuating keys, and inter osable in the path of the latter, and means 101' moving the carrier.

30. In a voting machine, a revoluble carrier, a plurality of radially disposed registeractuating keys on the carrier arranged in parallel planes, a set of operating keys supported independent of the carrier and in planes corresponding to the planes of the register-actuating keys, and interposable in the path of the latter and means for moving the carrier, means for retaining the operating keys normally out of the path of the registeractuating keys, means to hold and operate a key in the path of a corresponding registen actuating key, and means operatable by the carrier to release said operating key.

81. In a voting machine, a revoluble carrier, a plurality of radially disposed registeractuating keys on the carrier arranged in parallel planes, a set of operating keys supported independent of the carrier and in planes corresponding to the planes of the register actuating keys, and interposable in the path of the latter and means for moving the carrier, means for retaining the operating keys normally out of the path of the registeractuating keys, means to hold and operate a key in the path of a corresponding registeractnating key, means operatable by the carrier to release said operating key, and means operatable independently of the car rier to release an operating key to permit a voter to change his vote.

32. In a voting machine, a revoluble carrier, register-actuating keys thereon, operating keys supported independently of the carrier and interposable in the path of the register actuating keys, means for giving the carrier a step by step movement, meansto hold an operating key in the path of a register actuating zey, means for preventing the operation of any of the other operating keys when one of them is so interposed in the path of an actuating key.

33. In a voting machine, a revoluble car rier, register-actuating keys thereon, operating keys supported independently of the carrier and interposable in the path of the registeractuating keys, means for giving the carrier a step by step movement, means to hold an operating key in the path of a register actuating key, means for preventing the operation of any of the other operating keys When one of them is so interposed in the path of an actuating key, and means to permit of the release of an operating key and the actuation of another to allow a voter to change his vote before actually recording the vote.

34. In a voting machine, a revoluble carrier, register-actuating keys thereon, operating keys supported independently of the carrier and interposable in the path of the register-actuating keys, means for giving the carrier a step by step movement, means to hold an operating key in the path of a register actuating key, means for preventing the operation of any of the other operating keys when one of them is so interposed in the path of an actuating key, and means to prevent the operation of a register-actuating key by an operating key.

35. In a voting machine, a revoluble carrier, register-actuating keys thereon, operating keys supported independently of the carrier and interposable in the path of the register-actuating keys, means for giving the car rier a step by step movement, means to hold an operating key in the path of a register-actuating key, means for preventing the operation of any of the other operating keys when one of them is so interposed in the path of an actuating key, and means to prevent the operation of either the register-actuating or the operating keys.

36. In a voting machine, a revoluble carrier, register-actuating keys thereon, operating keys supported independently of the carrier and interposable in the path of the register-actuating keys, means for giving the carrier a step by step movement, means to hold an operating key in the path of a register-actuating key, means for preventing the operation of-any of the other operating keys when one or them is so interposed in the path of an actuating key, and means operatable by the carrier to release an interposed operating key.

37. In a voting machine, the combination of a revoluble drum, register-actuating keys thereon normally projecting outward beyond the periphery of the drum, a series of operating keys normally out of engagement with the register-actuating keys, but interposable singly in the path of said register-actuating keys, means for giving the drum a step by step movement, a casing for the drum having a glazed aperture through which a portion of the periphery of the drum is viewable, removable candidates-names strips on the pe riphery of the drum and viewable succes sively through the aperture in the casing.

38. In a voting machine, the combination of a revoluble drum, register-actuating keys thereon normally projecting outward beyond the periphery of the drum, a series of operating keys normally out of engagement with the register-actuating keys, but interposable singly in the path of said register-actuating keys, means for giving the drum a step by step movement, a casing for the drum having a glazed aperture through which a portion of the periphery of the drum is viewable, removable candidates-na1nes strips on the periphery of the drum and viewable successively through the aperture in the casing, said casing having a removable cover and a movable plate supported on the cover and operatable to lock the operating keys.

39. In a voting machine, the combination of a revoluble drum, register-actuating keys thereon normally projecting outwardbeyond the periphery of the drum, a series of operating keys normally out of engagement with the register-actuating keys, but interposable singly in the path of said register-actuating keys, means for giving the drum a step by step movement, a casing for the drum having a glazed aperture through which a portion of the periphery of the drum is viewable, re-

movable candidates-names strips on the periphery of the drum and viewable successively through the aperture in the casing, said casing having a removable cover and a movable plate supported on the cover and operatable to lock the operating keys, a hinged stop in the path of the register-actuating keys, and means operatable by the movements of said plate to actuate said stop to prevent the operation of the register-actuating keys.

40. In a voting machine, the combination of a revoluble drum. mounted on a vertical axis, a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys thereon, said keys normally projecting outward beyond the periphery of the drum, a series of operating keys interposable in the path of the register actuating keys, means by which the operating keys are normally held out of the path of the register-actuating keys, a detent for holding the operating keys in the path of the register-actuating keys, means to prevent the operation of more than one of the operating keys at one time, means for giving the drum a step by step movement and means operatable by the drum to release an interposed operating key.

41. In a voting machine, the combination of a revoluble drum mounted on a vertical axis, a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys thereon, said keys normally projecting outward beyond the periphery of the drum, a series of operating keys interposable in the path of the registeractuating keys, means by which the operating keys are normally held out of the path of the register-actuating keys, a detent for holding the operating keys in the path of the register-actuating keys, means to prevent the operation of more than one of the operating keys at one time, means for giving the drum a step by step movement, means operatable by the drum to release an interposed operating key, and means independent of the drum to permit the release of one operating key and the actuation of another to allow the voter to change his mind before recording the vote.

42. In a voting machine, the combination with a revoluble drum, a register-actuating key thereon, an operating key interposable in the path of the registering key, means to rotate the drum, and means to hold the operating key in the path of the registering key.

43. In a voting machine, the combination with a revoluble drum, a register-actuating key thereon, an operating key interposable E rotate the drum, means to hold the operating key in the path of the registering key, means operated by the drum to release the operating key and means independent of the drum to release the operating key and means to prevent the operation of the last named means when the register-actuating key is in the path of the operating key.

45. In a voting machine, the combination of a revoluble drum, a plurality of radially disposed register-actuating keys thereon, said keys having a limited oscillating and reciprocating movement, a casing for the drum, a series of operating keys interposable in the path of the register-actuating keys, means for holding an operating key, said casing having a glazed aperture proximate to the operating keys, candidates-names strips on the periphery of the drum disposed relative to corresponding registering actuating keys and viewable through said aperture, means for moving the carrier intermittently to operate a register-actuating key.

46. In a voting machine, the combination of a revoluble drum, a plurality of radially disposed register-actuating keys thereon, said keys having a limited oscillating and reciprocating movement, a casing for the drum, a series of operating keys interposable in the path of the register-actuating keys, means f or holding an operating key, said casing having a glazed aperture proximate to the op erating keys, candidates-names strips on the periphery of the drum disposed relative to corresponding register actuating keys and viewable through said aperture, means for moving the carrier intermittently to operate a register-actuating key, and means to hold a register-actuating key in its inward position after passing beyond an operating key, and means for automatically releasing said register-actuating key.

47. In a voting machine, the combination with a series of traveling inner register-actuating keys, and a series of outer relatively fixed operating keys interposable in the path of the register-actuating keys, and means associated with the operating keys to permit of the recording of a vote other than is represented by the register-actuating keys, said last named means comprising a traveling strip of paper, a casing therefor and means to prevent access to said casing when an operating key is interposable in the path of a register-actuating key.

48. In a voting machine, a revoluble drum, a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys thereon, a casing for the drum, a series of operating keys interposable in the path of the register-actuating keys, means for preventing duplicate voting for the same candidate by the same voter, means to permit the voter to change his mind before recording a vote for a particular candidate, means for moving the drum and a roll-supported strip actuated by an operating key to permit the voter to write the name of the desired candidate.

49. In a voting machine, a revoluble drum, a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys thereon a casing for the drum, a series of operating keys interposable in the path of the register-actuating keys, means for preventing duplicate voting for the same candidate by the same voter, means to permit the voter to change his mind before recording a vote for a particular candidate, means for moving the drum and a roll-supported strip actuated by an operating key to permit the voter to write the name of the desired candidate, and means operatable by the drum to mark the strip to enable the detection of a fraudulent vote.

50. In a voting machine the combination of a revoluble drum mounted 011 the vertical axis, a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the drum, a casing for the latter, means for moving the drum step by step, a series of operating keys interposable in the path of the register-actuating keys, means to hold an operating key in the path of the register-actuating key, means operable by the drum to release an operating key, signal mechanism operatable by the drum to indicate the completion of a vote, and means to lock the drum on the completion of each revolution.

51. In a voting machine the combination of arevoluble drum mounted on the vertical axis, a plurality of series of radially disposed register-actuating keys on the drum, a casing for the latter, means for moving the drum step by step, a series of operating keys inter posable in the path of the register-actuating keys, means to hold an operating key in the path of the register-actuating key, means operatable by the drum to release an operating key, signal mechanism operatable by the drum to indicate the completion of a vote, means to lock the drum on the completion of each revolution, and means to lock the register-actuating keys against movement by the operating keys.

52. In a voting machine the combination of a revoluble drum mounted on the vertical axis, a plurality of series of radially disposed plate slirlable on the cover, and devices operatable by said plate to lock the operating keys and the register actuating keys.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witregister-actuating keys on the drum, a casing for the latter, means for moving the drum step by step, a series of operating keys interposable in the path of the register-actuating keys, means to hold an operating key in the path of the register-actuating key, means nesses.

operatable by the drum to release an operatv ing key, signal mechanism operatahle by the l VHLLIAM PROSSER drum to indicate the completion of a vote, Witnesses:

J. F. HERTIER, l W. H. FERGUSON.

means to lock the drum on the completion of each revolution, a cover for the casing and a 

